This week's North East appointments

Simon Clark, Evolved Search

Search marketing agency Evolved Search has announced that Simon Clark is its first head of conversion rate optimisation.

Simon, who began his career in web and graphic design over 13 years ago, has worked as a senior web developer at another regional agency, before moving to specialise further in conversion rate optimisation at global digital group, Dentsu.

He joins Evolved Search tasked with leading the CRO service and growing the department to become a complementary service that enriches the company’s Search-first approach.

Simon commented: “The head of CRO role really appealed to me as this was the logical next step in my career path.

“The chance to build and shape an optimisation team to the next level was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“I was drawn to Evolved Search by their constant flurry of award-winning work and clear, committed growth-focused mentality. Speaking with the three company directors showed me the incredible ambition and growth plans they have in place.

“I’m excited to begin building a team capable of making us the first choice for conversion rate optimisation services in the UK.”

John O’Sullivan, MHA Tait Walker Corporate Finance

MHA Tait Walker Corporate Finance has announced the appointment of John O’Sullivan as corporate finance executive.

John joins the team from RSM where he started as a graduate in 2017 and rose through the ranks to an ACA qualified assistant manager in the audit team.

Lee Humble, associate partner, commented: “We are delighted to welcome John to the team and look forward to working with him.

“2020 was a strange year, book ended by significant levels of activity, with our visibility for Q1 2021 suggesting this momentum is set to continue at least in the short term.

“Covid-19 has clearly disrupted businesses in our region, but we are now seeing the emergence of growth and several “Covid businesses” which have taken off in a short space of time.

“John will be a great addition to the team in a time where capital raising is becoming essential, and when large numbers of management teams are looking to secure their future via buy out activity.”

John added: “I can’t wait to get started with the corporate finance team at MHA Tait Walker.

“I have been lucky to have been presented with the opportunity to work within such a forward-thinking team in these challenging times and I look forward to learning as much as possible from my peers.

“My background in audit coupled with my strong commercial awareness will no doubt prove invaluable in what I suspect to be a testing yet dynamic period for the market with the uncertainty around due to Covid-19 and the potential impact of the budget in respect to capital gains tax.”

Adam Crampsie, Concern Group

North East based specialist mental health and wellbeing service provider Concern Group has appointed a new chief executive.

Adam Crampsie, who was previously managing director

He is a mental health clinician by background and his experience spans the private, public, and charity sectors, having started his career working for the NHS where he undertook senior management and leadership roles.

He later joined Nuffield Health, being responsible for clinical services across the group, a role where he focused on reinvesting financial success back into healthcare improvements through a range of initiatives and projects.

Adam said: “I am thrilled to join Concern Group as the organisation’s new chief executive.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work with colleagues, trustees, valued partners, and the wider community.

“It’s rare to find an organisation that is truly values-led, and even rarer to find one that makes such a positive impact to its service users.

“I am deeply passionate about mental health – and it has been an important part of my career.

“Seeing and experiencing the positive impact of mental health services on individuals and families is one of the most rewarding aspects of any role I have ever had.

“Our communities need high-quality mental health services now more than ever and I believe Concern Group is uniquely placed to address these issues, helping those who need it most.”

Georgia Sproat, Kieran O’Donoghue and Olivia Tindle, Muckle LLP

A North East independent law firm has continued its growth with the appointment of three new trainee solicitors.

Muckle LLP has welcomed to its team Georgia Sproat, Kieran O’Donoghue and Olivia Tindle.

Georgia, from Kendal in Cumbria, takes up her first seat with the corporate team, assisting senior lawyers in the North East deals market.

Kieran, from Retford, Nottinghamshire, has joined the dispute resolution team and is currently working on multiple business interruption insurance claims.

Olivia Tindle, from Stockton on Tees, has begun her training contract in the real estate team, dealing with a range of commercial landlord and tenant issues.

Jason Wainwright, Muckle managing partner, said: “Many firms have delayed taking on new trainees this year but we were keen to press on despite the challenges of lockdown and Olivia, Georgia and Kieran are already making an impact.

“Work levels were very high across the firm at the end of last year, and so far 2021 has been equally busy, with no shortage of work and experiences for our new trainees.

“We’re delighted to welcome them to the Muckle family and wish them all the very best in their training.”

Andrew Little, Begbies Traynor

Professional services firm Begbies Traynor has appointed Andrew Little as partner in the North East.

With 30 years’ experience as an ICAEW chartered accountant, Andrew moved into insolvency in 2005.

He has spent the last nine years with Azets (formerly Baldwins Accountants), latterly as managing partner of its North East region.

Having become a licensed insolvency practitioner 13 years ago, Andrew specialises in corporate rescue and recovery, assisting company directors who are experiencing cash flow and financial problems in their businesses.

He has experience of working with small business across most sectors including construction, leisure, hospitality and retail.

Andrew commented: “Begbies Traynor has a strong reputation in the region and nationally as one of the leaders in its field; an independent rescue and recovery firm that businesses can trust.

“Having spent the last four years in a management role, I am keen to get back to what I enjoy best and where I can add most value – supporting professional advisers, individuals and businesses facing financial challenges.”